BARNSLEY man and professional cricket coach Paul Shaw has taken up a new role leading the ECB’s top coach development programme.
He played and coached at Barnsley CC before launching a successful professional coaching career including a three-year stint as the England women’s coach, winning the Ashes twice but losing a World Cup final.
Shaw, who is originally from the Oakwell area and still lives in Barnsley, will now head up the ECB’s specialist coaching programme, overseeing their level three and level four qualifications which are the top grades for professional coaches.
He also runs a leadership company, Inside Leadership, giving talks and holding workshops around the country.
Shaw told the Chronicle: “It’s something I’ve always had a passion about.
“I have taught some modules on the coaching programme and worked with the ECB on a part-time basis for a couple of years. The ECB have given me the opportunity to go back full-time which is a really good opportunity.
“I will be working with the professional game – each of counties’ men’s and women’s teams – from a CPD (Continuing Professional Development) perspective.
“There will be a lot of time on the road up and down the country.
“We’ll be working with England coaches for the men’s, women’s and disability teams as well.
“We will base the courses at the National Cricket Performance Centre in Loughborough and in Derby.
“We want to make both of those courses world-leading and to create exceptional coaches who give the players the best chance to improve.”
After leaving the England women’s job, Shaw helped to set up Lancashire’s women’s team and was the coach of Manchester Originals in the first two seasons of The Hundred.
He has also been working as a commentator for Lancashire CCC’s TV channel and the BBC, but he is now returning to coaching full-time.
He said: “We will develop coaches by way of their coaching approach.
“We go through the technical, tactical and physical and mental aspects of the game. On the leadership side of things, there are aspects like self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
“The counties are already really really good. We just want to compliment that.”
